The newly appointed Consul General‑designate of Sri Lanka in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, Justice M.T. Mohamed Laffar, officially assumed duties at the Sri Lanka Consulate General on Monday (11).

According to the Consulate General, his assumption of duties was marked by a simple ceremony organized by the Consulate staff.

In his address, Justice Laffar emphasized the importance of maintaining efficient and effective consular and employment welfare services for Sri Lankan nationals residing in Jeddah and the wider Western Region of Saudi Arabia. He also underscored the need for renewed efforts to strengthen trade and investment ties between Sri Lanka and Saudi Arabia.

Justice Laffar brings with him a distinguished judicial career spanning over 35 years, having served in various capacities, most recently as Acting President of the Court of Appeal. He has also held positions as Secretary to the Judicial Service Commission and visiting lecturer at the Sri Lanka Law College. Notably, in 2007, he set a record by delivering 120 orders and judgments in a single day, reflecting his commitment to minimizing judicial delays.

He holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Peradeniya and a Bachelor of Laws degree from the Open University of Sri Lanka. An Attorney‑at‑Law of the Sri Lanka Law College, Justice Laffar is a past pupil of Vivekananda National School, Colombo, and Al Mubarak National School, Malwana. (Newswire)

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The Consulate General of Sri Lanka in Jeddah has cautioned Sri Lankan nationals planning to undertake Umrah that connecting flights to and from Jeddah and Medina may face disruptions due to the current situation in the region.

In a notice issued today (09), the Consulate advised prospective pilgrims to exercise caution when making travel arrangements and to remain in close coordination with their respective Umrah group representatives or travel agents.

The advisory further urged pilgrims to ensure their travel plans include appropriate contingency measures to address emergencies or unforeseen circumstances.

The announcement comes as the conflict between the US, Israel, and Iran continues to affect air travel in the Middle East region. (Newswire)

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SriLankan Airlines has relaunched direct flights from Colombo to Jeddah with a thrice-weekly service every Tuesday, Wednesday and Sunday. 

According to SriLankan Airlines, it is currently the only carrier to offer a non-stop flight schedule between the two cities, opening a convenient gateway to the holy cities of Makkah and Madinah for Umrah pilgrims in Sri Lanka once again.

SriLankan Airlines flight UL 281 from Colombo to Jeddah departs at 1425hrs every Tuesday and Sunday and at 1415hrs every Wednesday and arrives in Jeddah on the same day at 1810hrs and 1800hrs, respectively. 

Flight UL 282 departs Jeddah at 1925hrs every Tuesday and Sunday and at 1915hrs every Wednesday and reaches Colombo the next day at 0415hrs and 0405hrs, respectively. 

The airline’s flight history to Jeddah spans back over 30 years, establishing an all-year-round popular route among Umrah pilgrims and a preferred choice of travel for the more seasonal Hajj pilgrims in Sri Lanka. 

In addition to the ease of a direct flight, SriLankan Airlines also provides to meet the special needs of these travellers and extends extra assistance to those who need it such as passengers with mobility issues.

SriLankan further stated that it is currently rebuilding its capacity in Saudi Arabia, amid the Government of Saudi Arabia relaxing its visa policy and focusing on transforming the country into a thriving tourist destination. 

The airline also operates daily from Colombo to Dammam and Riyadh, and now connects passengers to three cities across Saudi Arabia with a total of  17 weekly flights. 

For more information on SriLankan Airlines’ operations to Saudi Arabia visit www.srilankan.com (NewsWire)

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